Should we rely on the opinion of those who deemed a narrator weak, or on the opinion of those who deemed him trustworthy, when scholars differ concerning him?
If disparagement (jarh) and commendation (ta'deel) contradict and cannot be reconciled, scholars hold four different opinions:
1. Prioritizing disparagement over commendation, even if those who commend are more numerous. This is the view of the majority. 2. Prioritizing commendation over disparagement, unless the disparagement is explained (mufassar). 3. Prioritizing the greater number of those who disparage or those who commend. 4. Contradiction without preferring one over the other, unless there is a preponderant factor.
The truth is that this is a matter of (independent reasoning) for the mujtahid. The preponderant view is the necessity of explanation in both disparagement and commendation. If both the disparagement and commendation are explained, then the mujtahid will discern which of them is preponderant. However, if unelaborated disparagement and commendation are accepted, then disparagement takes precedence over commendation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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